The effects of hearing loss on preferences for shared decision making in residential aged care: a mixed methods approach.

Hearing loss is associated with communication breakdown in residential aged care. A review of the literature found that the effects of hearing loss on residents’ preferences for shared decision making remain unknown. The aim of the thesis is to assess how hearing loss affects residents’ preferences for receiving information, and making decisions, in terms of their medical and everyday care. An exploratory mixed methods study was conducted, involving interviews and surveys, with 26 residents. Interviews covered five parts: demographic details; self-perceived hearing loss; and, preferences for receiving information and decision making about medical and everyday care. Statistical analysis, thematic analysis using the Framework Method, and inductive content analysis, were employed to analyse data. Participants demonstrated strong preferences for receiving information and involvement in decision making, in both medical and everyday contexts. Despite strong preferences for receiving information, some participants, including three with hearing loss, expressed dissatisfaction with the communication they received. Participants’ with hearing loss reinforced the importance of family involvement in decision making processes. The findings offer direction for future research by emphasising the need to better understand the communication strategies employed by residents with hearing loss, and the role that family members play in shared decision making.